Parliament told 16 Levuka heritage structures earmarked for restoration

Government will continue the restoration of Levuka's World Heritage buildings, with 16 heritage structures identified under a rehabilitation programme aimed at preserving the historic town.

The update was provided during debate on the 2026-2027 National Budget after Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya sought clarification on the $1.2 million allocated for the rehabilitation of Levuka's World Heritage structures.

Mr Koya asked whether the funding was intended for a single building, several buildings or the whole of Levuka.

Assistant Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Sakiusa Tubuna confirmed the programme covered multiple buildings.

"There are 16 structures in total."

Assistant Minister Charan Jeath Singh said the restoration programme would prioritise Levuka's heritage buildings.

"We will make sure that Levuka heritage structures are now given the first priority from A to Z."

Opposition MP Premila Kumar questioned the progress of previous allocations, saying $3.7 million had been budgeted over the past two years but little appeared to have changed during a recent visit to Ovalau.

Responding, Assistant Minister Iliesa Vanawalu said restoration work had been delayed after Japanese experts were brought in to assess the buildings before work could begin.

"From the last year's budget, they were supposed to improve 10 buildings. But before they could move in, there was a study from Japan who needs to look at it properly before they move into those buildings," he said.

"So, in the last budget that you mentioned now, it was supposed to improve 10 of the buildings, within Levuka Town."

The exchange came as Parliament considered funding under the Ministry responsible for Culture, Heritage and Arts during scrutiny of the 2026-2027 Budget.